VIRGINIA MEDICAL NEWS JANUARY 2015 IN THIS ISSUE Prior auth, workers’ comp and Medicaid among 02 MSV top 2015 issues 05
Physicians needed: New state board opportunities Sharpen your advocacy skills - Boot camp on Jan. 27
On Jan. 14, the Virginia General Assembly convened in Richmond for its 45 day “short session.” Although initially intended to deal only with amendments in the second year of the biennial state budget, legislators now introduce nearly as many bills during the short session as they do in the 60 day “long session.” The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) government affairs staff and lobbying team will be reviewing all bills to assess their impact on the practice of medicine and health care system and will work with physician leadership to formulate the organization’s policy positions. These positions will be communicated to legislators via physician leader visits, White Coats on Call visits and electronic communications. Please participate in White Coats on Call and keep an eye on your e-mail inbox so you can respond to advocacy alerts. It is through your advocacy that we can make sure the voice of medicine is clearly heard by our elected leaders. The following are some of the issues that MSV will be proactively working on in the 2015 session.
Prescription prior authorization reform
MSV has joined with medical specialty societies and other health care stakeholders to reform health plan prior
authorization specifically for prescription medications – important work that is also supported by numerous patient advocacy groups. MSV members have reported that the time required for prior authorization and the resulting delays in access to necessary medications negatively impact patient care and can even damage the patient-physician relationship. Del. Greg Habeeb (R-Salem) and Sen. Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg) are patrons for this bill which includes the following reforms identified by MSV members and physician leaders: • Requires that health plans develop electronic prescription prior authorization platforms that are interoperable with electronic medical records and e-prescribing, as well as a universal disease-specific prior authorization form and improved transparency regarding their prior authorization policies (e.g., formularies, clinical criteria, access to forms, denial explanations). • Establishes a 48-hour deadline for health plans to act on a prescription prior authorization request, with a limited 24-hour extension for action upon receipt of requested supplementation. • Prohibits prior authorization barriers for chronic disease and mental health medications when a patient has been
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Long-term disability: Don’t let a policy’s fine print be the catastrophe New year, new methods to succeed
medically stable on the medication, has completed step therapy, or has already had the prescription authorized by another health plan. • For emergency situations, requires health plans to allow for a three-day supply of the prescription. • Waives prior authorization for most generic medications. As expected, health plans have communicated strong opposition to the reform legislation. Your advocacy will be absolutely critical in making the case for why these reforms are needed for patients and to preserve access to care. Learn more about how you can get involved at www.msv.org/ priorauthreform.
Workers’ compensation
Virginia’s workers’ compensation (WC) system is strong, serving employees and businesses well. Virginia businesses have the fourth lowest WC insurance continued on page 2
Advocate for my profession Prior auth, worker’s comp and Medicaid - continued from page 1 premiums in the country—32 percent below the national median. Physicians, hospitals and health systems put forward ideas in the 2014 General Assembly session that were adopted into law and improved the system for all stakeholders involved, including prompt payment requirements on WC insurers. In the past, some industry groups have proposed a Medicare-based fee schedule as their solution to controlling health care costs in the WC program. MSV opposes government-mandated fee schedules and sees such a move as a dangerous precedent and an unnecessary governmental intrusion into a system that already delivers effective care. At the same time, MSV is committed to continuing to look for ways to make Virginia’s system even better for patients, employers and physicians.
Protecting children from liquid nicotine
With explosive growth in the use of electronic cigarettes, there have
been increasing instances of children accidentally poisoned by liquid nicotine. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there were 3,957 reported exposures to liquid nicotine and e-cigarettes in 2014 – including the liquid nicotine poisoning death of a one year old in New York. MSV is partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics – Virginia Chapter to support legislation proposed by Del. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) which protects Virginia’s children by seeking legislation that requires child safety caps on liquid nicotine.
Reforming Medicaid and extending coverage
MSV supports reforming Medicaid through reducing the administrative burden on physicians who see Medicaid patients while continuing to explore ways to extend needed coverage for more patients. Governor Terry McAuliffe has proposed expanding Medicaid to non-elderly adults up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level in his 2015
budget proposal. Although the General Assembly and governor have been unable to reach consensus on if and how to provide coverage to the population newly eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, MSV continues to work with legislative leaders and other stakeholders to attempt to find solutions. MSV is also working with the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to ensure that any reforms implemented take physician input into account. As the state looks to streamline and simplify administrative functions in the Medicaid program, MSV will continue to advocate for making Medicaid processes less onerous so physicians are better able to provide care to these patients. Please be on the lookout for MSV’s weekly legislative update e-mails on Fridays during the General Assembly session for updates to the aforementioned and many other topics of interest. Feel free to contact the MSV government affairs department at govtaffairs@msv.org.
Physicians needed: New state board opportunities One way that the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) helps physicians influence health care in Virginia is by nominating them to serve on state boards, task forces and commissions. The Code of Virginia requires MSV to nominate physicians to various boards (the Virginia Board of Medicine, the Virginia Board of Health, etc.). Other opportunities may also be of interest to MSV members. For more information on MSV’s role in state board appointments, click here.
appointment to a state board, please send a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) and/or biography with your request for support to healthpolicy@msv.org by Feb. 15, 2015. To qualify for MSV’s support, you must be an MSV member, be willing to serve a multi-year term and meet the statedesignated qualifications for the current vacancy. You must also complete an application for appointment on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s web site.
How to apply:
To read MSV’s policies and process for nominations, click here.
If you would like MSV to support your request for 2 www.msv.org
continued on page 3
Advocate for my profession Physicians needed - continued from page 2 HIGHLIGHTED OPPORTUNITIES Board of Medicine
The self-policing agency for Virginia physicians whose duties include the licensing of practitioners, evaluation of complaints against practitioners for misconduct and establishment of regulations governing the practice of medicine. • Number of vacancies: 2 • State-designated qualifications: Must reside in the 3rd or 4th Congressional Districts. Click here for the Congressional district map.
Board of Health
The State Board of Health exists to provide leadership in planning and policy development for the Commonwealth and the Virginia Department of Health to implement a coordinated, prevention-oriented program that promotes and protects the health of all Virginians. In addition, the Board serves as the primary advocate and representative of the citizens of the Commonwealth in achieving optimal health. • Number of vacancies: 1 • State-designated qualifications: MSV Representative.
Board of Medical Assistance Services
Serves as the advisory body to the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the state agency which administers Medicaid and the state Children’s Health Insurance Program. • Number of vacancies: 2 • State-designated qualifications: A provider.
Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Board
The statutory authority for the establishment of policy for the Department Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, State Facilities and community service boards. • Number of vacancies: 1 • State-designated qualifications: A psychiatrist.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Advisory Board on Midwifery, Virginia Board of Medicine
The Advisory Board on Midwifery is established as an advisory board in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to assist the Board of Medicine in formulating regulations pertaining to the practice of midwifery. The Advisory Board shall also assist in such other
matters relating to the practice of midwifery as the Board may require. • Number of vacancies: 1 • State-designated qualifications: A physician or certified nurse midwife.
Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians
Acts as the licensing body for individuals who test and fit hearing aids, and individuals who fit and sell prescription glasses and contact lenses. • Number of vacancies: 1 • State-designated qualifications: An ophthalmologist.
Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Healthy Youth
The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) promotes healthy living habits and reduces and prevents youth tobacco use and childhood obesity statewide. The Board of Trustees decides Foundation business and sets the Foundation’s direction for important initiatives. • Number of vacancies: 2 • State-designated qualifications: A cardiologist and an MSV Representative.
Department of Motor Vehicles Medical Advisory Board
The Board assists the Commissioner through the development of medical and health standards for use in the issuance of driver’s licenses. • Number of vacancies: 2 • State-designated qualifications: Two seats available for licensed Virginia physicians.
Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority
The mission of the VHWDA is to facilitate the development of a statewide health professions pipeline that identifies, educates, recruits, and retains a diverse, appropriately geographically distributed and culturally competent quality workforce. • Number of vacancies: 1 • State-designated qualifications: “Health Professional/Edu/Training Rep.”
January 2015 3
Advocate for my profession
UVA, best med school in the state? Whether you agree or not that the University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVA SOM) is the best medical school in the commonwealth, that was the end result of last year’s Medical Society of Virginia Political Action Committee (MSVPAC) school duel event. UVA far surpassed Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine’s (VCU SOM) fundraising efforts for MSVPAC, but we have good news—all medical schools will have the opportunity to defeat current champion UVA in the 2015 MSVPAC school duel, including new addition Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTC SOM). The 2015 school duel will work just like last year. Students from EVMS, UVA, VCU/MCV and VTC will each form 4 www.msv.org
SD
a committee to plan an event where they raise money for MSVPAC from other students, professors, alumni and anyone who they can get to make a contribution. During this competition, students learn the importance of investing in the political process and how it greatly impacts the medical community. Prizes for the winner are given out at the MSV annual meeting. If you are an alumnus of EVMS, VTC, VCU/MCV, UVA or if you just live in the community and want to work with the students on this event, please contact MSVPAC Fundraising Manager Patti Seitz at 804 | 377-1051 or e-mail pseitz@msv. org. May the best school win!
Advocate for my profession
Sharpen your advocacy skills – Boot camp on Jan. 27 Date: Jan. 27, 2015 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Advocacy Bootcamp 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Legislative Briefing 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Legislator visits for White Coats on Call Meeting place: Hilton Garden Inn, 501 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia
What to expect:
1. Morning - Message development training with Roy Heffley, nationally recognized media trainer 2. Lunch - Provided on-site 3. Afternoon - Issue briefing and meet with your legislators as part of White Coats on Call Do you want to learn more about how to advocate for your profession but feel unsure of how to get started? The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) and MSV Foundation (MSVF) invite you to get your advocacy and communication skills in tip top shape at its advocacy boot camp!
Click here to register or call the MSV Foundation office at 804 | 377-1053. There is no cost to attend this event, but space is limited and registration is required. You can attend the morning or afternoon session only or attend the entire day. Sign up now!
Prescription Prior auth reform - We need your help Physicians spoke and the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) listened. Prior authorization is a problem that burdens doctors across all specialties. MSV, along with physician specialty societies, practice administrators and other stakeholders, has undertaken the task of developing reforms to the prescription prior authorization process to present to the Virginia General Assembly. After surveying membership, a taskforce was assembled to come up with the major issues with prior auth that need to be addressed. Suggested reforms are on page 1. To be able to make a difference, MSV needs your help. Please click here to visit MSV’s prior auth webpage for everything you need related to prior authorization reform. We can’t do this without you. Personal advocacy by physicians and other stakeholders will be crucial to the success of this legislation.
Please sign up for White Coats on Call, fill out our reporting form to share your prior auth experiences, contact your legislators or give to the MSV Political Action Committee (MSVPAC). Click here to register for White Coats on Call. Click here to access the reporting form. Click here to contact your legislators. Click here to give to MSVPAC. January 2015 5
Manage my practice
ICD-10: Start early, practice often After the ICD-10 transition was delayed last year, many practices postponed their preparation for the new code set. Now that 2015 is here, it’s time to take the appropriate steps to meet the upcoming deadline. Scheduled for Oct. 1, 2015, the ICD-10 transition is just a few short months away. The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) has compiled various tools and resources to help your practice get started.
Tips to get back on track and ready for the transition:
• Educate yourself on ICD-10 and how it
pertains to your specialty.
• Develop a budget for technology • • •
•
upgrades and resource investments. Get training. Train your staff too. ICD-10 is more than just diagnosis codes. Learn how the ICD-10 will integrate (or not) with payment scheduling and reimbursements to avoid claim denials. Create an internal process for ICD10 across your workforce to simulate the process to be sure each individual understands what needs to be done. Make sure your EHR and practice management systems can handle the conversion.
• Conduct external testing with your
clearinghouses and payers to make sure you can send and receive transactions with the ICD-10 codes.
Additional resources • Web-based training and in-person ICD10 boot camps – www.msv.org/classes • MSV Web site ICD-10 Knowledgebase www.msv.org/ICD10 • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site - www.cms.gov • Road to 10 Web site for small physician practices - www.roadto10.org
Death certification process goes electronic The Virginia electronic death registration system (EDRS) enables participants in the death registration process to file death records online with the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records (DVR). This system, which went live on Nov. 1, 2014, is part of the Virginia Vital Events and Screening Tracking System and was created to allow for a more timely and accurate completion of the death certificate. This new paperless system facilitates the workflow between the individual who certifies the death certificate and the funeral home facility. This system facilitates collaboration among the multiple death registration users, including funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, medical examiners and the DVR. It begins with the creation of a death record that can be initiated either by a physician’s office, hospital or funeral home facility. Visit the Virginia Department of Health EDRS Web site to learn more about the system or to register to participate. Click here to view the Medical Society of Virginia›s (MSV) Web page with additional resources.
Additional resources
• MSV death certificates Web page • Guidance on the electronic death registration system • Virginia Department of Health EDRS Web site
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6 www.msv.org
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Manage my practice
Virtual credit cards: What you can do to protect your reimbursement The American Medical Association (AMA) has created a toolkit to help physicians understand their rights in order to make Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic funds transfer (EFT) payments work most efficiently for their practices. As of Jan. 1, 2014, health plans are required to offer ACH EFT, a funds transfer tool in which payer-to-provider payment is processed through ACH, to physician practices that request this method of claims payment. By utilizing EFT, you can avoid the vendor fees charged on payments health plans make via virtual credit cards. • Know your rights and make ACH EFT work for your practice
(AMA login required) details the physician rights and health plan responsibilities created by the new EFT standard. This resource also advises physicians how to avoid the percentage-based fees and auto-debit programs some payment solution vendors are attempting to impose with ACH EFT. • EFT fees and HIPAA details the regulatory and technical framework of the HIPAA standard ACH EFT transaction. This resource highlights restrictions that HIPAA regulations place on health plan usage of fees in ACH EFT.
Long-term disability: Don’t let a policy’s fine print be the catastrophe This article was contributed by Digital Benefit Advisors. Many physicians purchase disability insurance to provide income in case of an accident or illness. But what if another catastrophe is buried in the fine print of the policy? For example, depending on how “disability” is defined, if a surgeon injures his or her hand, he or she may not receive benefits if able to continue functioning as a general practitioner. Or, a physician may discover that his or her benefits are reduced by the amount of money received from partnership income arrangements. After paying into a policy for years and expecting proper protection in the event of a calamity, this news could create a personal financial disaster. A new long-term disability (LTD) group policy available through the Medical Society of Virginia Insurance Agency (MSVIA) resolves this issue. In addition to providing coverage if a physician is not able to perform duties as a specialist or sub-specialist, benefits are not reduced by individual
disability coverage or income from practice partnerships. The LTD policy also includes a malpractice insurance rider, which is unique to the market and pays additional benefits if a physician is disabled. Designed specifically for physicians in group practices throughout Virginia, this policy is offered exclusively by Digital Benefit Advisors (DBA), MSVIA’s employee benefits provider. “Although physicians may have LTD insurance, many aren’t aware of the nuances in their policy and possess a false sense of security, assuming they’re adequately covered if something happens,” says Philip Saul, a DBA principal. “Some discover— often when it’s too late— that their policy doesn’t provide the benefits they need, or thought they had. This new LTD plan eliminates those doubts and provides the coverage they expect to receive.” Benefits of the new LTD plan include: • Group disability benefits do not integrate with individual disability benefits, thus your benefits will not automatically be reduced by the amount of your individual
income protection coverage. • You’re protected based on the actual type of procedures you’ve been performing in your practice. Your earnings are not based on what a typical physician may perform. • You are not penalized for partnership earnings, and your monthly disability income is not reduced by K-1 earnings. • With a malpractice insurance reimbursement rider, payments due and paid during a 12-month period while on approved disability—up to a total of $25,000—will be reimbursed. “We’re seeing significant interest in this product from our members,” says Dustin Beekman, Director of Life and Health for MSVIA. “We’re pleased to partner with DBA to make this valuable coverage available to our members.” For more information or a quote, contact Philip Saul, Digital Benefit Advisors, at 804-249-5167 or Dustin Beekman, MSVIA, at 877-226-9357. January 2015 7
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New year, new methods to succeed The second cohort of the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation’s (MSVF) evolve leadership program kicked off the New Year with its latest session on Jan. 8. With this year’s cohort focusing on population health management (PMH) issues, the session centered around helping clinical teams find solutions to succeed in today’s health care environment. Speakers included: • Jim Daniel, J.D., M.B.A., partner with HDJN, who gave a presentation on Medicare shared savings programs and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Jim provided a working knowledge of the reimbursement iniatives and insight into the downstream effects to physicians participating in these types of organizations. • Benjamin Miller, PsyD., director at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Dept. of Family Medicine who spoke on creating comprehensive systems of health care and the role of behavioral health in improving outcomes and decreasing cost. • Annie Valdes, innovation coach and consultant, who provided a workshop on the Design Thinking Methodology to analyze issues and apply the skills of human-centered design to challenges. • Seth Trueger, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago and emergency physician who spoke on his experiences as a health fellow/legislative aide in the office of Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) and how to be more strategic in advocacy efforts. The session was well received with participants commenting: • “I am inspired by the design thinking and plan to use it to improve staff performance.” • “I plan to continue the task of improving and studying population health. Continue the discussion!” • “Ben Miller’s session on how ACO’s are structured and the how to integrate behavioral health was incredible.” • “Today really stressed to me the importance of taking risks, asking “how might we?” and applying design thinking to rethink protocols.” • “I liked learning about what a targeted advocacy effort looks like and applying to Medicaid expansion in Virginia.” MSVF will complete the second cohort of the evolveTM leadership program, which pairs physicians with other clinical team partners and asks them to identify a population health issue they wish to solve, on Feb. 13. Participants will have the opportunity to present their capstone projects, addressing their PHM issue and share their learnings and outcomes with the cohort.
Care for my patients
January 2015 9
MSV news
MSV welcomes new group member HCA Virginia The Medical Society of Virginia is excited to welcome HCA (Hospital Corporation of America) Virginia physicians and physician assistants (PA) as its newest group members. Ben Calkins, HCA Physician Services With six hospitals and Vice President of more than 70 outpatient Operations facilities in the commonwealth, HCA Virginia’s decision to provide this group membership to its 260 physicians and PAs reflects its commitment to its team and to the work of MSV. “For the benefit of all of HCA’s 260 employed providers in the regions that we serve, we are excited to have joined MSV,” said Ben Calkins, HCA Physician
Services Vice President of Operations. “As we look to help position our providers as leaders in their communities, we will rely on MSV for current health trend information, engagement in public policy discussions and advocacy for issues impacting public health.” HCA joins several other groups who have also committed to 100 percent group membership in MSV, including Bon Secours Hampton Roads, Centra Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente and Patient First. “We hope to be partners to MSV in advancing quality healthcare throughout Virginia, as they provide invaluable services to our organization through their foundation, alliance, and political action committee,” Mr. Calkins said.
MSV policy compendium updated to include 2014 actions Have you ever wondered how the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) leadership decides a position on legislation or proposed regulation? The primary source for these positions is the MSV policy compendium, which outlines all policy statements adopted by the organization’s House of Delegates. This document is updated annually at the fall membership meeting. Visit www.msv.org/policycompendium to view the 2014-15 compendium; please note that a log-in is required to access this members-only document. Members interested in adding or revising a standing policy may submit a resolution to the annual meeting; please contact healthpolicy@msv.org for additional information. 10 www.msv.org
“We are so pleased to welcome all of HCA Virginia’s physicians and physician assistants to MSV,” said MSV President William C. Reha, M.D., M.B.A. “Membership impacts our ability to influence health care policy and legislation in Virginia, and this collaboration between HCA and MSV will mean that our voices can be magnified.”
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MSV news
Help patients quit smoking with Quit Now Virginia To fight the rise of cigarette smoking, which is the leading cause of preventable disease in the United States, the Virginia Department of Health released a new promotion called Quit Now Virginia. This program provides free information and coaching to Virginia patients who want to quit smoking or using tobacco. Health care professionals can play a key role in fighting tobacco use by sharing some of the helpful FAQs, tip sheets or other Quit Now Virginia materials to patients who are interested in quitting.
Quit Now Virginia is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at: 800 | QUIT-NOW (800 | 784-8669) or www.quitnow. net/virginia.
Additional resources
• Quitline resource guide • Quit Now Virginia registration form • Centers for Disease Control Web site with tips for health care professionals to help patients quit
Medical student section elects new leadership On Jan. 3, 16 medical students representing all five of the Medical Society of Virginia’s (MSV) medical student chapters at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), University of Virginia School of Medicine (UVA SOM), Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (VCU SOM) and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTC SOM) met at MSV to elect new leadership for the MSV medical student section (MSS). While the overall process of electing MSS leadership has remained the same, the section has increased its influence so the selection of leaders is not something that is taken lightly.
The process
Medical student members are invited and encouraged to apply for one of leadership positions. The MSS governing council then reviews all applicant CVs, statements and interview answers. After candidate materials are reviewed and discussed, all candidates are quantifiably ranked on many aspects pertaining to their potential success in each position and as part of the leadership team. While selecting the MSS future leadership was difficult, MSS Chair Daniel Young (EVMS, M4) said he felt encouraged by the exceptional applicant pool. “The MSV MSS has grown so much since when I initially became a member,” he said. “I am glad to see
“We are very proud of our MSS in Virginia and have found the MSV to one of the most fulfilling aspects of our medical school education. Our MSS is filled with students who are profoundly driven to further the causes of organized medicine, and on a personal note, it is exciting and humbling to be elected by a group of such inspirational doctors-in-training. I look forward to work with this passionate student body in the coming year.” –Joseph Pechacek, MSS chair-elect
continued on page 12 January 2015 11
MSV news Medical student section elects new leadership - continued from page 11 more students actively participating in advocating for the medical profession and our patients’ interests. The candidates came from different medical schools and different backgrounds, but they all demonstrated the same passion for improving health care in Virginia. We have elected strong leadership for 2015-2016, and I am sure they will take the MSS to a new height.” Congratulations to the newly elected leaders, who will assume their positions on June 1: Chair-elect: Joseph Pechacek (VTC SOM, M3) Vice chair-elect: Christopher Li (VTC SOM, M2) Secretary-elect: Katharine Hollnagel (VTC SOM, M3) Joseph, Christopher and Katharine have all been extraordinarily engaged within multiple aspects of MSV, the MSS and the American Medical Association (AMA). In addition to attending MSS retreats and MSV Annual Meetings, all three have served in chapter leadership at VTC SOM. Joseph is the current MSS MSVPAC representative and represents Virginia’s medical students nationally as a medical student regional delegate to the AMA House of Delegates. Christopher won MSVF’s Salute to Service award in 2014 for his work and research in the mental health field and represents Virginia nationally as one of seven regional chairmen (leading the student delegations to the AMA MSS House of Delegates from Delaware, District of Columbia, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia). Katharine is the current MSS Representative on the MSV nominating committee. The MSS governing council elected executive committee (EC) advisors to further the work of the MSS and provide sound advice when tasked with making decisions for the section: Executive committee advisors-elect:
“The MSV student section has been graced by decisive and powerful leaders that have brought student issues to the forefront of the entire MSV body. I feel so thankful for their hard work as well as their much appreciated mentoring that allows me to feel prepared moving forward in continuing their history of success.” – Christopher Li, MSS vice chair-elect 12 www.msv.org
• Diane Holden (VCU SOM, M2) • Matt Wallace (VCU SOM, M2) • Christopher Bednarz (VCU SOM, M1) The MSS governing council also elected the representatives that they will submit to the MSV and MSVPAC nominating committees and MSVF board prior to the 2015 MSV Annual Meeting: • MSV board of directors, MSS associate director: Monica Melmer (UVA SOM, M2) • MSV nominating committee: Sheela Damle (VCU SOM, MD/PhD candidate) • MSVF board of directors, MSS associate director: Ana Mostaghim (EVMS, M2) • MSVPAC board of directors, MSS representative: Lee Ouyang (EMVS, M2)
“I cannot think of two more outstanding candidates than my classmates, Joseph and Christopher to lead the MSV MSS next year. From the beginning of their medical school careers, both Joseph and Christopher made it their priority to get involved and learn everything there is to know about MSV. They have demonstrated their ability to lead at the chapter, state and national level, and anyone who has had the pleasure of working with them knows they have the skills to get the job done. Most importantly, Christopher and Joseph have a passion and enthusiasm for MSV that is infectious and inspiriting, and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish in 2015!” –Katharine Hollnagel, MSS Secretary-Elect
MSV news New member list Alexandria Francisco Jose Buxo, MD Leigh Leite, PA-C Jane Ellen Nelson, MD Gregor G. Siebert, PA-C
Dublin Michael Ross Simpson, DO
Harrisonburg Justin D. Deaton, DO
Emporia Fitzgerald Marcelin, MD
Henrico John R. Belhumeur, PA-C D. Keith Crossen, MD
Annandale Annette Bicher, MD Ratih Bulan Sudharto, MD Stephanie Lorene Wethington, MD
Fairfax Brian Eduardo Godinez, MD Chad Fitzhugh Hanes, MD Jennifer Ann Harr, DO Frederick Liu, MD Jeanine Helena Miller, MD Fola O. Oluwehinmi, MD Tushar Chandrakant Patel, MD Christopher Mark Putman, MD Frederick Donald Scott, Jr., MD Jessica Weisz, MD
Bedford Amanda Marie Baright, DO Blacksburg Maggie Corinne Belton, DO Scott R. Boerth, MD, PhD Richard Brownstein, MD Elliot Freed, DO Stuart Alexander Gardner, MD Kathleen M. Goldstein, DO Shelby Edward Jarrell, MD Christine Drombetta Jordan, MD Jennifer Leigh Nelson, MD Michelle B. O’Neil, PA-C Matthew Shortt, PA-C Marc S. Siegel, MD Jennifer Ann Sinclair, MD Robert Charles Solomon, MD Mary Elizabeth Tekesky, PA Sandra Toensing, PA-C
Falls Church Zhao Yang, MD Farmville Robert Wan Ah, MD Shi Yun Lim, MD Christianne Parisi McLean, MD Nikita Vimal Mishra, MD, PhD Kevin George Sullivan, MD Fort Belvoir Donald Howard Berghman, MD
Chesterfield Janice Quick, PA-C
Franklin Manish Arun Patel, MD Fredericksburg Makini Shani Garrett Ainsworth, MD Allyson Marie Hilliard, MD Rezhan Hama Ali Hussein, MD Mohammad Khalid Jamal, MD Rod Stephen Johnson, MD Rachel H. McCarter, MD Nikola Mihaylov, MD Hala Moukhachen, MD Veena Nevand Vangani, MD
Christiansburg Dawn Fouse, PA Carl Robert Hannah, MD Thomas Scott Jamison, MD Sandra Shawhan, PA
Glen Allen Michael John Barker, MD David Anthony Clark, MD George Greenfield, PA-C Tyler W. Holt, PA-C
Columbia Stephen Mangiulli
Gretna Modupeola Abiodun, MD Jamie Martin, PA-C
Chesapeake Jeanette L. Bender, PA-C Tommy Taylor Osborne, II, MD Mathew Paul Sinesi, MD Samantha P. Yates, PA-C Chester Linda Kay Brown, MD William H. O’Neal, PA-C
Danville Susan S. Dhivianathan, MD
Hampton Winghan Chiu, PA-C Jamaal W. Searcy, PA-C
Houman Tavef-Motamen, MD Anna M. Villalobos, MD Joanna Watts, PA-C Stuart Francis Williams, DO Joshua Wilson, PA-C Velyn Lisa Wu, MD
Herndon Kevin Charles Lutta, MD
Manassas Jessica Daughn Durst Cannon, DO Anu Sara George, MD Hoda Mihieddine Hachicho, MD Alyssa B. Laeser, PA-C Virgil Jeremiah Melvin, MD Rashida K. Rahman, MD Yvette Cecilia Sandoval, MD Susmita N. Sarangi, MD Marion Ramzi Kamel Humsi, MD
Hopewell Kenneth E. McColley, PA-C David Michael Neifeld, MD Lake Ridge Emily McGuire, PA-C Michelle A. Salerno, PA-C Fariha Tariq, MD Lebanon Lindsay Rutherford Wilson, DO
Mechanicsville Robert Donohue, PA-C John Elmore Gibbs, II, MD Cory J. Hall, PA-C Nicole Marcella Day Laney, MD Timothy Milton Silver, MD
Leesburg Khodaidad H. Basharmal, MD Azra Mahmood Hadi, MD Teresa Pinter Klansek, DO Alexander C. Lee, PA-C Anam Mahmud, PA-C Leanna L. Oelrich, MD Robert Ridgeway, PA-C
Midlothian Matthew Evan Alter, MD Atiya Momin Atique, MD James Frost Bampton, MD Piya Kim Barkley, MD Katherine L. Dec, MD Lorena Limon Harvey, MD Bogale Jima, MD Zaroh Lu Neth, MD Onyeije Wil Ozurumba, MD Shazia Samdani, MD
London, OH Michael Backovski, PA Low Moor Pradip Koirala, MD Edward Spires Stanton, MD Lynchburg Moni Baidya, MD Shannon Bishop, PA-C Claudia Cecilia Corrales, MD Omar Youssef Elkhamra, MD Jessica Maritza Jara, MD Eric Glenn Kline, MD Michael Lockwood, DO Michael Matteson, PA-C Andrew Joseph Matuskowitz, MD Mark McGuire, PA-C, CCD Jason P. Meador, PA-C Benjamin Eric Newman, MD Evan D. Ownby, MD Benjamin Perler, PA-C John Pernot, PA-C Fritz J. Personna-Policard, MD Christopher John Russo, MD Islam A. Saleh, MD Richard F. Stowers, Jr., MD
Millboro Megan Ady, PA Moneta Brent Wilson Chapman, MD New Kent Daniel Nelson Davidow, MD Newport News Windle A. Day, PA-C Norfolk Jung Eun Park, MD North Chesterfield Sheila D. Clasbey, MD Jeffrey P. Garrett, MD Jeffrey Michael Keegan, MD continued on page 14 January 2015 13
MSV news New member list - continued from page 13 Oakton Bimal P. Gandhi, MD Pembroke Paul Alan Olson, MD Prince George Ashwani Kumar, MD Pulaski Steven R. Evans, PA-C Anthony A. McPherron, DO Radford Athena Auvil Howard, MD Amy Neuhs, PA-C Reston Virginia Chiantella, MD, FACS Tobin T. Eckel, MD Elizabeth Denice Feldman, MD Gaurav Telhan, MD William T. Thorwarth, Jr., MD Richmond Mukong Adeso, MD Christopher Timberlake Aleman, MD Alynn B. Alexander, MD Darryn Lewis Appleton, MD Michael Lawrence Arcarese, MD Joel T. Ashworth, Jr., MD, FAAFP Catherine Bagley, DO Erin Banks, PA Sandra Anderson Bell, MD Larry Leone Benson, MD Katharine Blair Bowers, MD Dreama Vikram Brar, MD Sara Scott Breeden, MD Matthew Lester Brengman, MD, FACS Graham Matthew Bundy, MD Tova Lynn Burge, MD Leemore McNamara Burke, MD Kimberly Ann Caldwell, MD Marc Jason Caligtan, MD James Taylor Christmas, MD Thomas David Christopher, MD Robert J. Cohen, MD Jerome M. Daniel, MD Sumac Dolores Diaz, MD Denise Margaret Dietz, MD John Lee Ditto, Jr., MD Zach Mitchum Ellis, MD John Colman Feore, MD Tyler Ford, MD Taylor Fricke, PA Steven Gaylor, PA-C Leo Masuchi Gazoni, MD Kristyn C. Gentry, PA-C Bambi L. Gladfelter, DO 14 www.msv.org
Anuradha Gonuguntla, MD Ashley A. Greer, PA-C Eugerie Altagrace Hanley, MD Daniel Michael Hardy, MD Joseph Kim Harris, MD Barbara B. Head, MD Rakesh Kumar Jain, MD Joseph Alexander James, MD, FAAFP Djuna Denise Jones, DO Neelima Katragadda, MD William E. Kelley, Jr., MD, FACS George A. Knaysi, MD, FACS Julie Humphrey Ladocsi, MD Courtney Stuart Legum-Wenk, DO Leanza Hui Liu, MD Shailaja Malhotra, MD Adrienne L. Maraist, MD Christopher G. Marshall, MD Susanna A. Mathe, MD F. Wayne Mathewson, MD George T. Maughan, MD Matthew Thomas Mayr, MD Judith McKenzie, MD Eric Perry Melzig, MD, FACS Amy Frey Miller, MD Jessica Moore-Scheeler, PA-C Lucia Elizabeth Smith Morey, MD Janice Gibson Neale, MD Alex Owens, PA-C Hayden Merrill Pasco, MD Richard C. Peebles, Jr., MD Kausalya Pendyal, MD Richard Joseph Pettit, MD, FACS Mary Margaret Ransom, MD Kari A. Rudinsky, MD Harriet Schanzer, MD Gregory L. Schroder, MD, FACS Alan Eliot Schulman, MD Christian Dietrich Schunn, MD Saumil R. Shah, MD Peter William Smithson, MD Michael Paul Taylor, MD William Travis Tucker, Jr., MD Nicholas Paul Tulou, MD Catherine Welford Varney, DO Thomas Hayden Veech, MD George Gould Wedd, III, MD Robert Jerome White, MD Jean A. Wisgirda, MD John Joseph Wittman, MD Daniel Scott Woolley, MD Xiaohua Yan, MD Roanoke Debra Hart Clapp, MD Monica Cooper, PA-C Stephen Andre Couture, MD John F. Daugherty, MD Gerald Alan DeMasters, MD, PhD
Carla Foster, PA-C Brian Christopher Gross, MD Louis Paul Gualdoni, PA-C Vandana Reddy Karri, MD David Allen Keilman, MD Susan L. Kinnison, MD Andrew Joseph Maiolo, MD Donna Lynn Maxfield, MD Garth Mills, PA-C David Henry Mortlock, MD Son Hoang Nguyen, MD Larry W. Patton, MD Quasir Raza, MD George Landon Smith, MD Ivaylo Draganov Staykov, MD Joseph L. Troise, MD Susanne Erika Voekler, MD Earl Mark Watts, MD Pamela Zollinger, MD Saint Paul Paul Arthur Phillips, DO Salem Joseph F. Artusio, PA-C Garry E. Bayliss, MD Luthur A. Beazley, III, MD John William Bouldin, MD, FAAP Matthew Bowles, PA-C Muddasar Nisar Chaudry, MD Joyce Anderson Cummings, MD Mark Stuart Currie, MD Sorina Dancea, MD Jessica Danison, DO Russell Evans Delaney, MD Lauren Dorn, PA Douglas Russell Dorsey, MD Alfred Ainsley Durham, MD Clement Amadi Elechi, MD James Mastin Farmer, MD Charles S. Gery, Jr., PA-C Steven Howard Goldstein, DO Nelson Brent Greene, MD Mark W. Gustafson, MD, FACOG Christopher Guth, PA-C Mark R. Hanabury, Jr., MD Ali Khalid Husain, MD Elizabeth Hutchens, PA-C Chetna Jha, MD Kristy Karas, PA Souha Jean Khawam, MD David Killeen, DO Douglas Wade Kirtley, MD Joanna Amy Kolodney, MD Moriah Susanne Krason, MD Joseph Peter Lemmer, MD Lesli W. Mace, PA-C George Walter Maxymiv, MD Brenda May May, DO Bryan McDonnell, MD Mary-Ellen Mick, DO
Laurie Moyer, PA Joseph L. Nelson, MD Vashist Varune Nobbee, MD Sarika Patel, PA Robert Kenneth Payne, MD Jonh Pineda Bonilla, MD Mackenzie Prandi, PA-C Kamran Rasul, MD Sanjoy Saha, MD Marie Frances Sharkey, MD Abby Aspel Smith, MD Lee Anne Steffe, MD Edward Opom Tackey, MD Brian A. Torre, MD Tu Anh Tran, MD William Tung, MD Steven Williams, PA James A. Witten, MD Paul Yeaman, PA Deana Ann Young, MD Spotsylvania Tony John Fiore, DO Sterling Michelle L. Robinson, PA-C Virginia Beach Rebecca Anne Franzi-Osborne, MD Bryan M. Gray, PA-C Camille T. Habib, PA-C Sarah Elizabeth Hill, PA-C Jessica S. Jimenez, PA-C Blake Ellington Moore, MD Randy Ferdinand Sendow, MD Walter E. Vest, III, MD Warrenton Juan Carlos Caballero, MD Waterford Grace Wilson Dorsch, MD Waynesboro Danielle P. Wales, MD Williamsburg Charles Edwin Wilhelm, MD Winchester Jennifer Shana Diamond Currie, DO Abbey Kathleen Gore, MD Woodbridge Priyadarsha Kaur Tulsi, MD Wytheville Scotty Garland Dove, DO Yorktown Tahanie Osman, MD
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